Oxford: Concerns raised over rat infestation under bridge

Residents have raised concerns about a rat infestation under an Oxford bridge.

Dozens of people have been taking to social media to document the growing rodent population at the site of the A34 underpass on Botley Road.

Videos and pictures of the rats have been shared, with those living nearby expressing fears the animals could end up coming into their homes.

National Highways, which own the affected area of land, said it would "regularly" review the site.

The rats have been spotted in the A34 underpass on Botley Road

Among those concerned is resident Rhys Hancocks, who told the BBC he first noticed the rats at the end of October.

He said: "I've noticed the bird seed in the area for a few months so someone has been feeding either the rats or pigeons for a while.

"I had always seen the holes there though so I guess the rats have been present for quite some time.

"I heard that rats have been an issue in the area but personally I've never had an issue.

"However, my issue is the sheer amount of juvenile rats I saw - 12 roughly in total - and one adult.

"I've worked with rodents in the past and I know how quickly they breed."

Residents have noticed a number of holes dug out by the rats

Tom Frost, owner of Pure Pest Solutions in Oxford, said the issue could be caused by construction, such as the recent A34 gasworks.

"When construction happens, you've got a lot of diggers and heavy machinery, and it makes a lot of vibrations so that can drive pests and rodents out," he said.

"We've had a lot of rain, that would also drive them out perhaps out of the gutters and the gullies around the roadways."

A National Highways spokesperson said that they were aware of "historical issues with rat infestation close to the A34 Botley Flyover structure".

"After a review of the structure, we are confident there are no abutments which would provide refuge for rats at ground level," the spokesperson said.

"Our highways inspectors will regularly attend the site to review whether any vegetation or debris present within the extents of the structure which may require attention."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].